“We, as government entities, saw large increases to our revenue as a result. We were not expecting or budgeting for this increase, it just happened,” commissioners wrote. “With the unbudgeted and strikingly large increase in your revenue, we are asking you to join us in this effort.”
The rollback of $3.2 million is equal to the increase in revenue the county saw because of Ohio’s triannual property reappraisals in 2023, something County Administrator Brandon Huddleson calls “an artificial increase.”
“People are clamoring for property tax relief,” he said. “The state legislature has thus far done little to nothing to remedy the situation. We’re still hopeful that they will, but in the meantime, commissioners thought, ‘What is it that we can do?’”
Greene County’s inside millage goes toward the county’s general fund, Huddleson said. Inside millage refers to taxation that doesn’t require voter approval, as determined by state law, and doesn’t apply to voter-approved levies for county services, such as those for bridges, public health or libraries.
The county’s portion of property tax doesn’t amount to a lot to the average taxpayer, which is why the commissioners wrote the letter, Huddleson said, calling on other entities — particularly school districts — to see if they can “live with less.”
“The school districts were the biggest beneficiary of the unexpected increase in property tax dollars, and them considering a rollback would be far more impactful than anyone else,” Huddleson said.
“I’m thankful that we were able to do it, that we had the ability to do it, to give back this unbudgeted, unplanned-for funding,” Commissioner Sarah Mays said. “The letter we sent to other taxing entities in Greene County is simply an invitation for them to evaluate their budget and to join us if they are able.”
The 0.5 mill rollback amounts to about $50 in savings per $100,000 of home value, said County Auditor Kraig Hagler. The average appraised home value in Greene County is roughly $225,000, which translates to $112.50 in savings for the average homeowner, he said.
In the meantime, more significant reform at the state level is needed, Hagler said.
“It’s a step in the right direction,” he said. “Myself, along with all the other auditors in the state of Ohio, are pushing for property tax reform. Specifically, the biggest help would be around the elimination of the 20 mill floor for the schools, or ... tie it to inflation.”
“The number one concern we hear from voters is property taxes are out of control,” Commissioner Dick Gould said, adding that the state County Commissioners’ Association is also lobbying to institute “meaningful, long-term solutions” at the state level.
The rollback would be for the 2025 tax year, which property owners start paying in 2026, according to county documents.
“The commissioners did not budget for this financial windfall, and believe that the right thing to do is to return that money in the form of a half-mill tax reduction,” said Commissioner Tom Koogler. “I believe we did the right thing.”
About the Author
